Middlesbrough forward Martin Braithwaite (10) in action during the The FA Cup 3rd round match between Middlesbrough and Sunderland at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England on 6 January 2018. Photo by Simon Davies.

Middlesbrough striker responds to social media user criticising his commitment

Middlesbrough forward Martin Braithwaite (10) in action during the The FA Cup 3rd round match between Middlesbrough and Sunderland at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, England on 6 January 2018. Photo by Simon Davies.

Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite has responded to a user on Instagram criticising his commitment to the club.

Braithwaite started the season fantastically well, scoring three goals in Middlesbrough’s first three games. However, since then, the Danish international striker has failed to hit the net – but not for the want of trying.

A Middlesbrough supporter commented on the Boro number 10’s recent Instagram post, questioning how much he cared about the club, as well as his commitment to the cause, stating ‘Imagine if you really cared about the club that has stood by you and paid your wages? You could be a real club hero that goes down in Boro folklore?’

To which Braithwaite replied: “You are in your full right to share your opinions, actually everybody should be allowed to have their own opinions on things in life. But I believe that somehow you are being influenced by what you read in the media.

“So did I until I learned things have been written about myself which was not true which people believed. As people, we need to stop getting told by the media what to believe and actually do our own research to get our own opinion on things.

This could be in reference to Braithwaite’s last minute transfer request, in light of interest from La Liga. However, the Dane stayed past the deadline, and suggested he is here for the long haul.

“I’m truly grateful to play in a stadium where I have people like you supporting the team with passion. That’s what makes it special to be a footballer.

“No matter what has been said, when I step onto the pitch I’m willing to die to get three points for my team no matter what it takes or who for. That’s the only thing you can do in life, give 100%. And that my friend will never change.”